Korean Dictionary
How to say "Cover Letter" in Korean
“Cover Letter” in Korean is 자기소개서 (pronounced "Jagisogaeseo").
자기소개서
Jagisogaeseo
Usage & Context
The 자기소개서 (cover letter / self-introduction letter) is a crucial part of Korean job applications. It typically covers family background, character, motivations for applying, and career goals. Korean companies evaluate 자기소개서 as carefully as academic credentials. University students attend workshops and get professional coaching to perfect this document.
Example Sentence
자기소개서에 지원 동기를 잘 써야 해요.
You need to write your motivation for applying well in the cover letter.
How to use 자기소개서 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Cover Letter” is 자기소개서, romanized as Jagisogaeseo.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 자기소개서.
Pronunciation Guide
Ja-gi-so-gae-seo. 'Ja' like in 'jar', 'gi' like 'gee' in 'geese', 'so' like 'soda', 'gae' like 'gay', and 'seo' like 'suh' in 'sugar'. Each syllable is pronounced clearly and evenly.
More Example Sentences
Discussing job application strategy.
자기소개서에 제 강점을 잘 어필했어요.
I effectively highlighted my strengths in the cover letter.
A student struggling with applications.
자기소개서 쓰는 게 제일 어려워요.
Writing a cover letter is the hardest part.
Giving advice on tailoring applications.
회사마다 자기소개서 내용이 달라야 해요.
The content of the cover letter should be different for each company.
Cultural Context
The 자기소개서 (Jagisogaeseo), or self-introduction letter, is arguably as important as the resume in Korean job applications. It's where applicants elaborate on their personality, motivations, career aspirations, and how their experiences align with the company's values. Companies scrutinize these letters to gauge a candidate's fit beyond academic or professional qualifications. Many students attend specialized workshops and receive coaching to perfect their 자기소개서.
Editorial note
We review entries like 자기소개서 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
자기소개서를 쓰다
To write a cover letter
자기소개서 항목
Cover letter sections/items
자기소개서 첨삭
Cover letter editing/review
Related Expressions
이력서
Iryeokseo
Resume (often submitted together)
지원 동기
Jiwon donggi
Motivation for applying
성장 과정
Seongjang gwajeong
Growth process, upbringing (common section in 자기소개서)
입사 후 포부
Ipsa hu pobu
Aspirations after joining the company (common section)
More Education Words
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